Have you ever felt like your baby knows what you’re feeling before you even say a word?

Maybe you’ve noticed them light up when you’re feeling calm and happy — or pull away a little when you’re flat or overwhelmed. These little moments often feel invisible, but they’re doing more than we think.

In this episode, Dr Renee White explores new research on how a mother’s brain and her baby’s brain can literally sync up during moments of connection. Using a tool called dual EEG, researchers were able to capture real-time brain activity between mums and babies, showing that our emotional tone can directly influence how our brains work together.

This isn’t about being “on” all the time. It’s about understanding why the moments where you feel most present with your baby matter so much.

You’ll hear about:

• What brain-to-brain connection looks like between mum and baby
• Why emotional tone plays a big role in learning and development
• The science behind eye contact, cooing and everyday connection
• How maternal wellbeing supports brain synchrony
• Why it's not about perfection, but presence

What matters most is remembering that even on the tough days, your presence is powerful. You don’t have to perform. You don’t need to do more. You’re doing enough, and it’s making a difference.

Resources & Links

📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend or tag @fillyourcup_ on Instagram. And don’t forget to follow The Science of Motherhood so you never miss an episode.

Disclaimer:

The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.

Motherhood changes the way you see yourself, your work and what you’re capable of. And when everything feels unfamiliar, it can be hard to recognise the opportunities that come with those changes.

In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Renee Barnes, People and Culture professional and Director of The People Paradox. After navigating her own identity shift in motherhood, Renee created The FOUND Program, supporting parents to feel more confident, capable and empowered in both work and home life.

Together, they explore what happens to your identity, your strengths and your leadership when you become a parent, and how these shifts can open new possibilities you may not have noticed yet.

You’ll hear about:

• Why identity shifts feel so strong in early motherhood
• How sensitivity and hypervigilance can become leadership strengths
• What parents really need when returning to work
• How the emotional load builds and why it often goes unseen
• Simple ways to feel more grounded and confident in this new season

Motherhood doesn’t come with a map. If you’re feeling stretched, unsure or in transition, you’re not alone. This episode will help you understand what’s changing and how to move through it with more clarity and confidence.

Resources and Links

📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies

🌐 Explore Renee Barnes’ work and The FOUND Program

📲 Connect with Renee Barnes on Instagram: @found_learningmotherhood

📲 The first 10 listeners to DM Renee Barnes will receive a 15% discount on stage 1 of the FOUND program. (Expires in 10 days 19 Dec 2025)

If this episode helped you feel supported, share it with another parent who might need it. And make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the next episode of The Science of Motherhood.

This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first doula village.

Disclaimer:

The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.

The holiday season can feel intense for many mums. The plans, the expectations, the drop-ins, the comments. It stacks up fast and makes it hard to tune into what you actually need.

In this episode, Dr Renee White breaks down why setting boundaries can feel challenging in early motherhood and why guilt often shows up the moment you try to protect your time or space. She offers simple, supportive language that helps mums communicate their needs without feeling overwhelmed.

These insights are practical, calm and designed to help you move through the season without feeling stretched thin.

You’ll hear about:

• Gentle phrases to end visits or step away when you’ve reached your limit
• A calm one-sentence response to handle unwanted advice
• How to step away when things feel too busy or too loud
• Ways to protect your energy during busy seasons
• Permission to choose what feels manageable for you and your baby

What matters most is remembering that your needs count too. You’re allowed to set limits. You’re allowed to rest. And you don’t need to justify decisions that support your wellbeing.

Resources and Links

📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies

This episode is proudly brought to you by Fill Your Cup. Head to our website to learn more about our birth and postpartum doula offerings.

🎧 If this episode gave you clarity or comfort, share it with a fellow mum who might need it too. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice.

Nothing contained in this podcast is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.